Title: There’s a Snake in My School!
Author: David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books

Teacher review

David Walliams’ books seem to be taking over the world at the moment. They’re certainly very popular in our school library.

The older pupils are always very excited when a new title is released, but I’m particularly pleased that Walliams also writes picture books for younger fans and less-confident readers. That way, everybody can enjoy his unique sense of humour.

There’s a Snake in My School! is about a little girl called Miranda, whose class is having a bring-your-pet-to-school day. I think Miranda’s unsuspecting teacher may have got more than he bargained for when, alongside the cute gerbils and fat cats, an enormous slithery pet python makes its way into the building.

Penelope soon becomes a massive hit with the children, as she turns herself into climbing frames and a fireman’s pole. However, the school’s headmistress, Miss Bloat, is definitely less than impressed when she discovers a gigantic python in the playground.

All the pets are quickly confiscated and locked away in the lost-property cupboard, apart from Penelope. Miss Bloat has something special in mind for her.

When Miranda goes back to Miss Bloat’s office at the end of the day, hoping to get her pet back, she’s in for a bit of a shock - the wicked headmistress is nowhere to be seen…

The story is greatly enhanced by the brilliant illustrations of Tony Ross. I particularly love the image of Penelope sitting at the headmistress’s desk towards the end of the book.

The text is set out in an engaging way, with clever fonts and word layouts to add to the meaning of the text. This will add appeal for younger children who are perhaps following the story rather than reading it themselves, and to those who enjoy a highly illustrated, fun text.

Joanne Cummins is literacy manager at Chalk Ridge Primary School in Hampshire. She writes a children’s book blog, and tweets as @BookSuperhero2

Pupil reviews

This story is so funny! I’d love to bring a pet snake into school to scare people with - or maybe to eat them!
Alex,  age 7

My friends will find this book hilarious! I can’t wait to show it to them.
Sam, age 6

My favourite part was working out what the funny shape in the snake’s tummy at the end was.
Lea, age 7

If you or your class would like to write a review for TES, please contact Adi Bloom, on adi.bloom@tesglobal.com

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